Auston Matthews sees Matthew Knies ready to “elevate” as Toronto Maple Leafs open preseason vs Canadiens

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews says Matthew Knies “hasn’t even scratched the surface” of his potential as the 23-year-old forward enters his fourth full NHL season, pointing to growth he expects from Knies on both ends of the ice.

Knies’ summer reset comes after a 2025-26 knee injury that he said remained an issue through most of the season. NHL.com reports the injury began with a setback in November that sidelined him for three games, and although he required ongoing treatment and time off during practices, he did not miss another game after returning on Nov. 26. Knies’ recovery timeline, he said, is now complete: “Yeah I’m back to 100%, no issues with it and it’s not going to be a problem this year,” according to the report.

NHL.com also notes Knies produced a career-high 66 points in 79 games (23 goals, 43 assists) despite managing the injury, and he is focused on improving multiple aspects of his game heading into the new season. “Just keep elevating all parts of my game really,” Knies said, adding that he wants to be reliable defensively while helping create offense.

The Maple Leafs will look to build chemistry on the ice immediately in preseason. NHL.com reports that Knies has skated at left wing with center Auston Matthews and right wing Jack Roslovic through the first two days of training camp, and the three are expected to play together when Toronto hosts the Montreal Canadiens in their split-squad preseason opener at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; TSN2, RDSI, TSN4). Toronto coach Jim Hiller said, “I really want to let that line play tomorrow night,” per the report.

Roslovic, also quoted by NHL.com, emphasized Knies’ strength, net-front disruption, and two-way work. Matthews added that Knies is difficult to contain and described him as a key component of the line’s battle in front of the net while possessing the skills to make plays.

Finally, the report notes Knies became the subject of trade rumors prior to the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline and again around the 2026 NHL Draft, but it also says he is entering the second season of a six-year, $46.5 million contract signed July 1, 2025, and that he told NHL.com he wants to stay with the Maple Leafs: “I want to be here,” Knies said.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk